Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Suspected squatter of $3.2 million Kirkland home arrested for criminal trespass

By CARRIE WOODKIRKLAND REPORTER

Kirkland Police have arrested a 30-year-old woman suspected of squatting in a $3.2 million waterfront home in Kirkland.

The woman was arrested at the home, located at 435 Eighth Ave. West, and booked in the City of Kirkland jail Tuesday.

The house located in the Market neighborhood, was at the center of a dispute between the woman, a Bellevue real estate agent and the bank.

The woman, who moved into the home more than a week ago, told police and neighbors that she owned the home. The women showed police false documents when they came to the house to investigate on June 6, said Kirkland Detective Allan O’Neill.

A thorough investigation of tax logs, utility bills and asset records revealed that First Citizens Bank is the lawful owner of the home. The bank served the woman an eviction notice last week and on Tuesday, Kirkland Police arrived at the residence with bank officials to assist in returning the home back over to the bank.

When police arrived, the woman was not in the house, but she arrived shortly after and was arrested for criminal trespass and booked into jail.